Ahh, spring! As well as ushering in blue skies and fresh flowers, the changing season also sees our wardrobes go through something of a refresh. Faux fur coats make way for lightweight jackets, tights vanish in favour of bare legs, and after a long, cold winter spent snuggled up in jumpers, we can't wait to break out our blouses without having to hide them under layers of necessary insulation.
This spring, there's one blouse style dominating above the rest. Unlike typical trends that focus on a specific silhouette, design detail, or colourway, part of its mass appeal is that this look centres around an aesthetic, offering plenty of variety with a blouse to suit everyone. We're talking about the gothic romance aesthetic, in which floaty, feminine blouses feature as a key component.
Some designs have tiered layers, others have ruffled adornments, yet more have voluminous sleeves, and many incorporate lace. Necklines range from high, standing collars to plunging Vs, and while white and cream colourways are undoubtedly the most popular, any shade of the rainbow goes.
While the look was naturally first spotted on the SS26 runways – most notably at Blumarine, with dreamy sheer chiffon creations comprising the majority of the collection – the silver screen has a part to play in its current unrelenting popularity, too.
Plot aside, the costumes in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights have been the most talked-about aspect of the film, reinvigorating the gothic romance trend with fresh buzz. Admittedly, the high-shine gowns, bosom-bearing corsets and hoop skirts donned by Margot Robbie's character, Cathy, aren't exactly the most wearable, but we can take inspiration from her penchant for a billowing blouse.
To bring yours firmly into the 21st century, your go-to denim will make for the perfect ‘jeans and a nice top’ ensemble. Otherwise, Ralph Lauren's AW26 show held just last week as part of New York Fashion Week showcased such a blouse paired with tailored grey trousers – because yes, this trend is sticking around until next season, at the very least.
You really can't go wrong with a blouse like this if you're after an effortlessly elegant outfit, and really, who isn't?! The best part – it couldn't be easier to get in on the gothic romance look, as the high street has plenty of designs that are nothing short of drama-worthy.
Below, find our roundup of the best blouses to shop now.
La Redoute Ruffled Crew Neck Blouse with Long Sleeves
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
